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Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2023

Human Rights Committee

  • Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Friday, March 24, to discuss their ongoing program of work to advance human rights within our workplace and community.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates on what progress has been made on concerns that had been previously brought forward and address new concerns that have come to light. 
  • If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!

On Friday, March 24, our AFA Local Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to build awareness and effect change within our workplace and community. Representing you at the meeting were Sylvia Newbill (PDX), Erika Daniel (SAN), James Ikehara (SFO). Also present were MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle and MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou.

The committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Managing Director of Inflight Services Gloria Chow-Vanderwell, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, Director of Diversity Equity & Inclusion James Thomas, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist Sarah Keimig, and Access/Diversity Program Manager Steve Nelson from management.

The committee is next scheduled to meet with management on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

  • Virtual Listening Sessions. Local Human Rights Chairs will facilitate virtual listening sessions in each base with management, allowing flight attendants to discuss diversity and inclusion topics and concerns. The next session is scheduled for April 20, 2023 with SAN Human Rights Committee Chairperson Erika Daniel and SAN Inflight Supervisor Saua Case. Management will communicate future dates and times to all Flight Attendants.
  • Monthly Conference Calls. AFA International began monthly conference calls for Human Rights Committee Members from across our union to share information and coordinate activities.
  • Hosiery/Socks Accessibility. The previous IMD alert with hosiery/socks resources will also be added to the uniform ordering site. The Zappos Shoes link is now located on the uniform ordering site as well.
  • Volunteer Events. Members of the management Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team discussed the ability for Flight Attendants to volunteer at events throughout our system. Information can be found on Alaskasworld within the Employee Resources/Care Community Involvement link. This leads to the Benevity.org page where Flight Attendants can sign up to volunteer for events locally as well as throughout our system.
  • Further Collaboration. The DE&I team will continue working along with inflight management and the Human Rights Committee on base visits, upcoming events, and activities sponsored by DEI or Business Resources Groups (BRGs).

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Exploring Collaboration and Shared Goals. Working with the DE&I department to build relationships with the company Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to find areas where we can join together to advance human rights within the scope of each group.
  2. Base Newsletters. Publishing information in each base on monthly human rights activities and scheduled events.
  3. Supporting Passengers. Discussing reports of some of passengers traveling between certain city pairs without a clear plan or assistance upon arrival at their destination. The Human Rights Committee and management are currently working on potential resources our Flight Attendants can use to help in these circumstances.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Human Rights Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Human Rights Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2023

Reserve Committee

  • Our AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, March 9 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent and advocate for our Reserve Flight Attendants.
  • The Committee also met with management to review a number of specific concerns that were brought forward by Flight Attendants.
  • Your Local Reserve Committee is available to answer questions, provide clarification, or help to resolve any reserve related issues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

On Thursday, March 9, representatives from our AFA Local Reserve Committees met to discuss their ongoing work to advocate for Reserve Flight Attendants. Representing you at the meeting were Heather Reier (ANC), Teran Eason (SEA), Anthony Eskander (PDX), Meghan Casey (SFO), Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Rebecca Garcia (SAN).  Also present was MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton. The committee also met with Inflight Crew Scheduling Director Sara Cook and Inflight Crew Scheduling Manager Matthew Trujilo.

The committee is next scheduled to meet on Thursday, June 8th.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed a number of items both during internal AFA-only conversation and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

  • Planned Initial Training classes for the remainder of the year. Class 3 and Class 5 were canceled, however management still intends to hire additional Flight Attendants. The number of classes and specific number of students in each class is dependent on delivery of new aircraft.
  • Increase in requests for assistance with PBS and bidding from new hires. Exploring ways to provide additional training and support in this area.
  • Crew Scheduling management changes. Sara Cook was promoted to Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling and four new Crew Scheduling Supervisors are onboarded. Management is in the process of hiring an additional manager to support operations. 
  • Issues and glitches with Crew Access affecting Reserve Flight Attendants. Reviewed where known issues are documented and newly added/fixed issues. 
  • Review of upcoming update to Crew Access software. Includes associated fixes to current issues and other improvements, and prioritization for programming fixes.
  • Probationary Flight Attendant support through the Probationary Buddy Program. Buddies are very busy supporting new Flight Attendants. Reminder to refer Probationary Flight Attendants to their Buddy for contractual questions.
  • Increase in lineholders picking up reserve days. This resulted in some increased flexibility for Reserve Flight Attendants.
  • Review of reserve utilization statistics. Reserve utilization is approximately 82% in all bases. Reserve coverage is anticipated to be approximately 21-20% for the remainder of Quarter 1 and Quarter 2.
  • Request for management to decrease the Adequate Reserve Coverage (ARC) maximum. Goal of providing additional flexibility for shifting reserve days. Management agreed to review possible changes.
  • Review of contractual language related to Reserve Flight Attendants calling in well.
  • Reminder of the AFA Alaska Online Support Center. New hire Flight Attendants can report issues, raise concerns, or ask questions.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Assisting Probationary Flight Attendants Through the Probationary Buddy Program.   Answering questions from and providing support to probationary Flight Attendants through an expanded AFA Probationary Buddy program.
  2. Addressing Reserve Contractual Concerns.  Researching and investigating reports from Reserve Flight Attendants and actively ensuring management is complying with our contract.
  3. Developing Additional Tools & Resources for New Flight Attendants.  Working to create documents to provide user friendly, easy-to-digest resources about the Collective Bargaining Agreement and other job-related information for new Flight Attendants.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items that you’d like brought up with management?  Please let us know!  Your Local Reserve Committee is your voice to management.  You can open a support request on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or contact us directly using the information on the Reserve Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – February 2023

Scheduling Committee

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, February 28 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to lineholder scheduling.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are experiencing with scheduling, pairings, and bidding.
  • Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to answer questions, provide clarification, or help to resolve any lineholder scheduling-related issues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

On Tuesday, February 28, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Heather Reier (ANC), Martin Vance (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Natalie Codd (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz, and MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton. The committee met with Supervisor of Inflight Crew Scheduling, Matthew Trujillo, Director of Crew Planning Mike Ostler, Manager of ITS Product Management Rick Mitchell, Manager of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, and other management representatives from Crew Planning.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed a number of items both during internal AFA-only conversation and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

  • Compliance with Jury Duty language in contract section 24.A.5 is being reviewed to ensure that management is applying the contractual protections when Flight Attendants are obligated to Jury Duty.
  • Passport Renewals and International Flying (contract section 10.S.12). Flight Attendants are covered by the section 10.S.3.b language when they submit their passport more than 15 days before the passport expires and notify Crew Scheduling.
  • New NAVBLUE PBS update version 22.7.7 has new features and should address the slow log in issues that our Flight Attendants have been experiencing after bids are published.
  • Separating Crews on International Layovers is both a safety and contractual concern. Crew Scheduling and Crew Planning are working to correct when Flight Attendants are assigned separate hotels while on international layovers.
  • Flight Attendant Contactability Requirements and definition of positive contact. Many Flight Attendants may not know that sections 32.C.1.e and 8.Q outline define when Flight Attendants are contactable as well as what steps management must take to have met their contractual requirements of contactability.
  • Crew Access Issues and upcoming UI update. The incorrect time showing UTC for trips will be resolved with new user interface but will still exist in original user interface.
  • Recent Pacific Northwest and California Winter Storm events. Please file a ticket at the  AFA Alaska Online Support Center if you have any unresolved issues related to the recent snow storms. Management plans on reviewing their processes and hopes to create a standardized playbook to assist them during winter irregular operations.
  • Lineholder Option to Decline an Initial Deadhead (contract section 10.X.8) can be allowed with “Crew Scheduling’s approval” Discussions were had at the consistency of allowing Flight Attendants to drop their initial deadhead legs.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Scheduling a meeting with Network Planning.  The Committee would like to meet with Network Planning in 2023 to discuss our contract, legalities and suggestions. We want to provide management with the Flight Attendant perspective and in an effort to improve our quality of life. 
  2. Review of JCTE/Crew Access transaction performance.  Each month, ITS provides the Committee with data on performance and transactions within JCTE/Crew Access.  The Committee reviews these reports to ensure our service levels are maintained at the appropriate thresholds.
  3. Scheduling Quality of Life Improvements.  Reviewing ways to improve Trip Length Distribution (TLD) and other quality of life factors.  Working with management to develop a quality of life survey to determine Flight Attendant scheduling priorities. 
  4. Review of user guides and links of Flight Attendant website.  Ensuring information is still accurate in existing resource materials, links are still active and working, etc.
  5. Updating Crew Access videos.  Working with management and ITS to update the Crew Access instructional videos to reflect updates and changes to the user interface.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items that you’d like brought up with management?  Please let us know!  Your Local Scheduling Committee is your voice to management.  You can open a support request on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or contact us directly using the information on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2023

Inflight Service Committee

  • Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on Wednesday, February 22 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to catering and onboard service/sales.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are facing onboard the aircraft.
  • The Inflight Service Committee continues to work with management to continuously improve onboard catering and engage in discussions leading to future improved processes. Please continue to report catering issues through Block2Block and safety-related issues through ReportIt!

On Wednesday, February 22, our AFA Local Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Naomi Parcell (ANC), Ross DeJong (SEA), Kelly Kochanek (PDX), Raymond Ramirez (SFO), Johanna Thomas (LAX), and Chase Vandergrift (SAN). Also present was MEC Inflight Committee Chairperson Stephanie Garnett. The committee met with Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, Inflight Product and Experience Director David Scotland, Senior Catering Operations Specialist Raena Alonzo, Principal ITS Apps Product Manager Ranjita Prasad, Senior Food & Beverage Product Manager Jessica Johnston, and other management representatives from the food & beverage and catering operations. 

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed a number of items both during internal AFA-only conversation and when meeting with management.  Some items discussed include consistent FC Beverage service recommendations, Food and Beverage Changes, and updates on ice for 2023.

Food and Beverage Discussions

In response to both passenger and crew feedback, more variety and choices will be introduced into the food and beverage beginning mid-May.  In First Class, a vegan option will always be available for pre-order only.  On medium haul, long haul, and premium long haul, the Fruit & Cheese Plate will no longer be a standard boarded entrée choice but will continue to be available for pre-order.  For premium long haul and Hawaii routes, printed menus are returning. Changes to the First Class service on premium long haul (Hawaii & transcon) morning flights will include addition of mixed nuts (with the first beverage service) and a heated dessert (to be served after the main meal service).  In Main Cabin, meals will be different eastbound vs westbound and will remain available via pre-order only, up to 20-hours prior to a flight’s departure. 

Hawaii specific changes include the discontinuation of the First Class mid-flight snack test out of Seattle on AM departures.  Testing is underway to resume heated pre-reserved retail meals (one option) on flights to/from Hawaii in Main Cabin.

Early April catering and product changes include the re-introduction of apple juice, a swap out of the current Pilsner, and new First Class wine selections.  On all Boeing premium long haul routes, the First Class empty cart will be moving to the aft galley and the supply cart will move to the forward galley.  This will help ensure that there are extra supplies for First Class.  All empty carts for trash will be in located in the aft galley on the Boeing fleet.  The Airbus 321 currently has trash carts in the forward and aft galleys.  

Catering Operations Discussions

Our Inflight Service Committee is very pleased with the ice solutions provided by the Catering Operations team for 2023 ice support for our flights.   Beginning in March 2023, catering is working with Fleet Service to increase uplift of ice at 10 of our stations and they will be provisioning ice on additional flights, with a focus on medium haul and long haul turns.  As discussions with vendors continue, more contracts will be finalized and additional ice supply locations will be added to the list. The Catering Operations team is also working to find solutions for issues the Committee brought to their attention at our last meeting.  Several ideas were presented and discussed for safe catering of blue service trays and provisioning of trash bags.

Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) News

The IT products team is currently working on improvements to our IMD user interface to make payments easier to process.  The IT team is also working on an inflight mobile refresh program and an update for Block2Block (B2B).  The Committee brought forward comments from Flight Attendants that the types of service designated for each flight (such as premium long haul, short haul, etc.) be included on B2B.  This information would be very helpful in offering the correct service.  

Boeing Updates

The Boeing 737-800 refresh with the removal of the third aft lavatory is on hold.  The installation of 2KU for the 737-800 aircraft type is in progress and about 90% complete; fleetwide it is 97% complete.  The new delivery Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft will be 2KU equipped going forward.  

Service

The participation by Flight Attendants in the survey included in the recent Inflight News newsletter was excellent and very much appreciated.  The Premium Class Tray Service early results show improved scores given by Premium Class passengers.  The Flight Attendant feedback received will be useful in addressing key areas.  Other discussion topics between the Committee and management included possible service flow and service responsibilities testing.   

We Want to Hear from You!

Please continue to report any catering issues or problems with onboard service using the catering feedback function in Block2Block.  If you’ve experienced a safety-related issue, please submit a report through ReportIt!  Your reports provide the Committee with the data needed to continue pushing management for meaningful improvements in our workplace.

Do you have other feedback for the Committee or items that you’d like brought up with management?  Please let us know!  Your Local Inflight Service Committee is your voice to management.  You can find our contact information on the Inflight Service Committee page of the AFA Alaska website. 

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2023

Uniform Committee

  • Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, February 7 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to uniforms.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are reporting related to uniform quality, wearability, and availability.
  • If you are experiencing any issues with uniform quality or construction, please report the issues to Unisync as soon as possible.  Please include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so they can help track any issues or trends that might be developing.

On Tuesday, February 7, our AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace.  Representing you at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), and JP Perina (SAN, and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Kiara O’Bryant.  The committee met with Interim Uniform Programs Manager Eric Phillipson, Uniform Fit Center Lead Ashley Sentner, Day of Travel Experience Manager Kelly Cuthill, PDX Base Manager Kristie Stafford. 

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed a number of items both during internal AFA-only conversation and when meeting with management.  Some items discussed include:

  • Updated wear test protocol and approved new processes and timelines.
  • Reviewed AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) recommendation sheet and made a commitment to develop a similar wear-test specific recommendation sheet that will be provided to management.
  • Ongoing uniform quality issues (i.e., name bars falling off of wings, pilling, holes in sweaters, seams coming undone).
  • Examined the need for a more diverse pool of wear testers.
  • Unisync sourced a possible option for a packable parka. AFA will review quality and packability and provide recommendations to management.
  • Requested a more robust survey and feedback form after the completion of wear testing.
  • Suggested a checklist sheet for wear testers.
  • Discussed the new “no heel” policy (sole height requirements still exist) reflected in the latest Uniform Policy Guide[AAG sign-in required] update in November 2022.
  • Dismissed rumors about the discontinuation of skirts and the Aura dress. These are core pieces and will remain part of the basic uniform.

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Wear Testing. Wear testing for the feminine cardigan and button up shirt began on Monday, February 6th, and will run for 30 days. Wear testing for the feminine vest begins on April 26th and will run for 30 days. Wear testing for a gender neutral mock neck cardigan and a gender neutral “Aura vest” will also take place on a yet-to-be-determined timeframe. Advocating for a uniform that suits all body types requires available wear testers. The Committee is seeking volunteers who have gender neutral, petite, tall, and/or plus sizes to test uniform redesigns and additions.
  2. Pride Scarf Redesign. Redesign is in the works and will hopefully roll out by Summer of 2024.
  3. Warm Weather Shirt. Still in production. More information will be provided once the shirts are shipped from the manufacturer.

We Want to Hear From You!

Please email Unisync directly at alaskaservice@unisyncgroup.com with any quality issues. In the email, please describe the issue in detail, include photos, if possible, and CC your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson. Please also consider opening a ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center so the Uniform Committee can track these issues.

Would you like to join the uniform wear test pool? Do you have other feedback for the Committee or items that you’d like brought up with management?  Please let us know!  Your Local Uniform Committee is your voice to management. You can find contact information on the Uniform Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, January 27, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Heather Reier (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), […]

Celebrating Black History Month

February 1 marks the start of Black History Month in the United States—a vibrant celebration with roots dating back to 1925, when acclaimed historian Carter G. Woodson first introduced “Negro History Week” to highlight the remarkable achievements of Black individuals. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford expanded it to Black History Month, calling on all […]

Never Forget: Honoring Alaska Airlines Flight 261—January 31, 2000 

On this day, we pause to remember and honor the anniversary of the tragic loss of Alaska Airlines Flight 261, which occurred on January 31, 2000. This heartbreaking event claimed the lives of all 88 passengers and crew on board, leaving an enduring impact on all of us. As we reflect on this tragic day, […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 11 – January 2026

The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) continues to make steady progress in collective bargaining sessions with management. Recent meetings have focused on refining contract Section 15 (Leaves of Absence). The JNC continues to incorporate the strongest language from both Alaska and Hawaiian agreements.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

On Monday, January 12, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in person in Seattle to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Brian Sherill (LAX-pmAS), Kanani Vallot (SAN), […]

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